Majestic Anthem catches the eye

Tony Cruz has a bright prospect in his yard in Majestic Anthem, who was unlucky in defeat in the Class Four Vengeance Of Rain Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin.

Majestic Anthem was a graduate of the December Hong Kong International Sale where he was scooped up by Tam Man-wai and Wilson Tam Man-shu for $3.2 million.

The three-year-old was well schooled, showing improvement in his latest two trials, and presented himself well on the paddock on Sunday.

He broke a stride slow from gate six, was looking for room after cornering five wide, lost a length after steadying off a flat Bear Supreme at the 350m and ducked underneath that one passing the 300m. He then had to switch to the outside of Bobo Dragon near the 100m and finished up well for fifth behind Heartland - beaten 21/4 lengths and only three-quarters from getting into the placings.

Majestic Anthem was born in Australia and is a son of Dubawi and the Scenic mare Drop Dead Gorgeous.

Dubawi was a classic winner of the Group One Irish Two Thousand Guineas, National Stakes (G1) and Prix Jacques Le Marois (G1) from 1,200m to 1,600m.

He has fathered five winners from 11 starters in Hong Kong, including the likes of the Derby winner Akeed Mofeed, sprint star Lucky Nine, Outdoor Pegasus and promising Poetic Justice.

Majestic Anthem is the first foal to start from Drop Dead Gorgeous, who was a winner of three races from 1,280m to 1,450m on good and dead going from 23 starts in Australia. His second dam was Listed winner to 1,500m and a half-sister to Group-winning speedball Charm Scene Land and three-times Group One placed Kingsgate.

With a solid pedigree, Majestic Anthem looks a capable player at a mile and under and on rain-affected going.